The Most Expensive Tourist Attractions in the US (and How Much They Cost To Visit)

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Dreaming of a bucket-list trip? There are plenty of iconic attractions to enjoy across the U.S., but they rarely come cheap.

Before swiping that credit card, see what a visit will really cost — including tickets, parking, food and those pricey extras that add up fast.

Are these six expensive destinations worth the splurge, or is the hype bigger than the experience?

Walt Disney World — Orlando, Florida

• Day ticket: $119
• Lightening Lane Passes: $10-$449 per person
• Parking: $30-$55 per day
• Disney Resort accommodation: $130-$1,000+ per night
• Food: $38-$104 per adult per day

A day at Disney can quickly turn into a four-figure expense. Visiting at peak times means Lightning Lane passes can reach almost $500; add premium resort stays topping $1,000 a night and costly in-park dining, and the magic comes at a steep price.

Universal Studios Hollywood — Los Angeles

• Day ticket: $109-$154
• Express Pass: $199-$309
• Parking: $35-$55
• Midrange hotel (nearby): $200-$300 per night
• Food: $50+ per adult per day

Universal Studios Hollywood delivers big-budget thrills but at a cost. Express Passes can more than double the ticket price, and with hotel and food expenses stacking up, even a short visit can rival the cost of a luxury getaway.

Hamilton on Broadway — New York

• Standard ticket: $150-$400
• Hotel: $175-$326 per night
• Transportation: $2.90 subway, $30+ rideshare
• Pre-theatre meal: $30-$100 prix fixe

Seeing Hamilton live is a bucket-list experience for musical theatre fans, but it’s far from cheap. High-demand tickets are expensive, and a full night out — including dinner, hotel and transportation — make it even pricier. New York’s congestion pricing, which started in January, now charges drivers to enter parts of Manhattan, making driving and rideshares cost more.

Grand Canyon — Arizona

• Entry fee: $20-$35
• Guided tour: $100-$250
• Helicopter tour: $250+
• Lodge accommodation (inside the park): $300+ per night
• Food: $80+ per person per day

Nature’s grandeur isn’t free. While basic entry is affordable, guided hikes, helicopter rides and park lodging push costs higher. Dining inside the park also comes at a premium, so a visit to this natural wonder can be surprisingly expensive.

Space Camp at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center — Huntsville, Alabama

• Camp fee: $1,999 per adult (6 days/5 nights)
• Lodging: Included in camp fee
• Food: Included in camp fee

For those dreaming of astronaut training, Space Camp is a serious investment. The all-inclusive experience offers hands-on simulations and immersive space education, but at nearly $2,000 per participant, it’s one for serious enthusiasts with deep pockets.

Kennedy Space Center — Merritt Island, Florida

• Day ticket: $75
• Add-ons: $25-$175
• Hotel & ticket packages: $70-$400
• Parking: $5-$20
• Food: $10-$15 per meal

A visit to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center starts at $75, but adding VIP tours, astronaut encounters and special access experiences drive costs up. Nearby hotels cater to space enthusiasts, with bundled packages offering convenience — at a price.

Empire State Building — New York

• Main deck (86th floor) ticket: $44
• Premium experiences and tours: $79-$500
• Hotel: $175-$326 per night
• Food: $10-$75 per meal

New York’s skyline views are a must-see for visitors, and a basic ticket to this iconic landmark is manageable. It’s when premium packages with behind-the-scenes access or sunrise viewing sessions are added that the costs start to get sky-high. Add in the city’s steep hotel rates and dining costs, and visiting this landmark can turn into a serious splurge.

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